|

Hotel Review: Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel

sun shining through the clouds over a beach
Please note that I receive compensation for many links on this blog. American Express and other banks are advertising partners of this site. Read my Advertiser Disclosure policy to learn more.

I arrived at Ritz-Carlton’s Laguna Niguel property during what locals call “May Greyâ€, because of the tendency for May to be a bit overcast in Dana Point. However, the air outside was a wonderfully non-humid 68 degrees and there was plenty of sunshine after the early morning clouds lifted.

My reservation consisted of 1 paid night in a regular room at $395, and 2 standard room redemption nights. I upgraded the first night to a Club level room at the time of booking by using a Ritz Carlton annual upgrade certificate.

Because my first night was in a confirmed Club room, I was invited to check in at the Club Lounge.  The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel property is set up a little differently in that as soon as the elevator doors open to the Club Lounge, there’s a reception desk. You have to go past the reception desk and through the lounge in order to reach your room.

As soon as I stepped off the elevator I was greeted by the friendly hostess (and a wall of sweet treats behind her). During check-in, she said that even though I had redeemed for a regular room two of the three nights, she’d allow me to stay in the Club room all three nights, which was very generous indeed. The Club room typically goes for $795 a night. What a spectacular redemption this turned out to be!

DSC00676

She got me situated with a room key, and I was on my way.

Heading down the hall to the room, it was lunchtime. I noticed the large assortment of food that the lounge had on offer. Sandwiches, crudité, hearty salads, etc.

DSC00538

DSC00539

Being back in SoCal, the first thing I did when I got in the room was rush to the window and breathe in that wonderful salty sea air. There was an amazing view from the balcony that I could have watched for hours. The hotel is perched on the edge of  a cliff so there are no roads to cross or buildings to look over the top of. Directly below the room was a grassy lawn where I saw some families relaxing in chairs, taking in the view.

DSC00657

DSC00667

The bathroom had double vanities, a walk in shower and a soaking tub. The amenities were by Asprey.

DSC00563

DSC00561

There was also a closet with bathrobe, mending kit, iron, and several drawers.

DSC00564

In a corner of the room next to the windows there was a small separate area with coffee maker, ice bucket, complimentary water bottles, a safe, and an empty fridge. The water was restocked daily if any of them had been opened, during morning housekeeping service and also at night during turn down service. At first I thought it odd that there was no minibar, but the Club lounge was just a few doors down. Guests are welcome to help themselves any time to sodas, water, or snacks and I guess the hotel thinks that it is a good replacement.

DSC00548

The bed linens were luxuriously soft, and there was a daybed placed at the foot of the bed. The room was decorated in the calm sea colors of blues and greens.

DSC00567

DSC00552

A desk was near the window, for a gorgeous view while working.

DSC00558

DSC00565

The carpet was thick and whisper soft. In fact, I didn’t hear any noise from adjacent rooms during the entire stay.

DSC00550

After leaving the hotel for some time and returning later in the evening, I passed through the Club lounge on the way to the room and picked up a couple of delicious evening desserts.

DSC00673

Turn down service had already been there, and on the desk was a row of delectable French macarons, which disappeared shortly after this picture. Each night thereafter, little surprises were left during the turndown service.

DSC00674

One night I returned to the room to find a whole imaginative seascape had been crafted, with edible “sand”, “shells”, cookies and chocolates.

DSC00572

Early the next morning I went to breakfast in the Club Lounge so I could grab a quick bite to eat before going to the beach. Champagne was available all day, even at breakfast, and I saw bagels, fruit, juices, eggs, sausages, and pastries.

DSC00536

DSC00534

They even had a box filled with fresh cookies, available all day long for the peckish or sweet-toothed.

DSC00535

After getting my sugar rush for the day, I went down to Salt Creek beach. I walked, but there’s a buggy that will take you down and back if you don’t feel like walking. I think the cost was $2.

DSC00626

About half-way down there’s an ice cream shop with tables and chairs, and then once you get to the beach there is plenty of room to stake out your spot. The hotel offers surfing packages too. The view back up to the hotel shows its great location.

DSC00634

There are also awe-inspiring views around the hotel if your room doesn’t have an ocean view.

DSC00651

Even the workout room features floor to ceiling windows.

DSC00649

A fun sign on the wall of my room advertised some of the items on the hotel’s fun “inspiration†menu, like the “Romantic Evening†with Veuve Cliquot Brut Yellow Label Champagne, Caviar, and accountrements for the small sum(!) of $290.

DSC00549

I opted for a more reasonable package the last evening of my stay – the $35 “Night at the Moviesâ€, which included Popcorn, Candy, sodas, an in-room Movie, and a magazine. A little expensive, but if we had actually driven to the movies, the cost would have been much higher and not half as much fun. Seeing a gorgeous sunset, smelling the salt laced ocean breeze while cozy on the bed watching a movie and eating popcorn, it was a wonderful way to finish the trip.

DSC00577

From the relaxed atmosphere and comfortable rooms to the top notch Club Lounge service and location, this hotel offers a perfect beach getaway. I can’t wait to return!

Ritz-Carlton Rewards Tier 3 property. 50,000 Ritz-Carlton or Marriott Rewards points for a free night.

Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel

Editorial Note: The opinions expressed here are mine and not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any bank, card issuer, or other company including (but not limited to) American Express unless otherwise stated. Comments made in response to posts are not provided or commissioned, and they have not been reviewed or endorsed by any bank. It is not the responsibility of any advertiser to make sure that questions are answered. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of the material on this site without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.

2 Comments

  1. Thanks for a good review. DId you have to pay any extra money to upgrade to the club level room the first night? During your check in, was it done at the front lobby or the at the club lounge? I would love to get the same favor at this hotel like you did.

    1. Hi Trish. The first night I paid for a regular room but in advance I applied an annual Ritz upgrade certificate to get the Club room. Check-in was done in the actual club lounge, which was great. Sitting in comfortable chairs, we were offered champagne and then I could just head straight down the hall to the room afterwards without having to get back in the elevator. Thanks for reading!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *